Looking for a textbook of undergrad E&M, for Physics Forum Help that I give

In summary, if you are looking for a textbook for undergraduate studies in electromagnetism, Physics Forum Help is the perfect place to find the help you need. As an expert summarizer, I can assure you that you will find a wealth of information and resources on this forum to assist you in your search for the best E&M textbook. With a community of knowledgeable individuals and a vast collection of discussions and recommendations, Physics Forum Help is the go-to destination for all your physics textbook needs.
  • #1
Gene Naden
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I sometimes post answers to threads people post about E&M. Unfortunately, my Masters in physics was 40 years ago and I am a little rusty. I am looking for something that will help me answer people's questions. The level of math can be fairly sophisticated as I have brushed up a bit.
 
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  • #2
Nayfeh & Brussel:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0486789713/?tag=pfamazon01-20

"This outstanding text for a two-semester course is geared toward physics undergraduates who have completed a basic first-year physics course. The coherent treatment offers several notable features, including 300 detailed examples at various levels of difficulty [...]"
 
  • #3
Thank you
 
  • #4
For upper division undergrad I still really like Griffith's text:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0134813677/?tag=pfamazon01-20
I think even the first edition is very good, and the second can be found pretty cheap used. It covers all the basics: statics, properties of matter, waves, radiation and relativistic electrodynamics. At a slightly higher level, skipping most of the statics but covering more wave topics is Heald and Marion:
http://store.doverpublications.com/0486490602.html

For graduate-level physics, Jackson (which you may have used) had aged well,
https://www.amazon.com/dp/047143132X/?tag=pfamazon01-20
but of course is not easy reading. A recently written, more streamlined graduate text is by Franklin (who published the second edition through dover)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0486813711/?tag=pfamazon01-20

jason
 
  • #5
Thanks for all your suggestions. I went with Nayfeh & Brussel. It was only $28 with free shipping.
 
  • #6
I occasionally taught part of an undergraduate E&M sequence which uses Griffiths. I still have my copy of the 3rd edition, so it's my go-to reference when I need to look something up while posting here. Now I'm thinking about whether to spring for the 4th edition...
 
  • #8

Related to Looking for a textbook of undergrad E&M, for Physics Forum Help that I give

1. What is the best textbook for undergraduate E&M?

The best textbook for undergraduate E&M may vary depending on personal preference and the specific curriculum being used. Some popular options include "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by David J. Griffiths, "Electricity and Magnetism" by Edward M. Purcell, and "Classical Electrodynamics" by John David Jackson.

2. Is there a specific edition of the textbook that is recommended?

It is generally recommended to use the most recent edition of a textbook, as it may contain updated information and improvements from previous editions. However, using an older edition may still provide a solid foundation in E&M principles.

3. Are there any online resources to supplement the textbook?

Yes, there are many online resources available to supplement the textbook. Some popular options include online lecture notes, video lectures, and interactive simulations. It may also be helpful to join online forums or study groups to discuss concepts and practice problems.

4. Can I find a free PDF version of the textbook?

While it is not recommended to use pirated versions of textbooks, there are some legal sources where you may be able to find free PDF versions. These include open access textbooks and textbooks available for free on university websites. It is important to check the copyright and licensing information before downloading any PDF versions.

5. How can I choose the right textbook for my learning style?

Choosing the right textbook for your learning style is important to ensure a better understanding of the material. A good way to determine this is to read reviews from other students and see which textbook they found most helpful. You can also preview the textbook or ask your professor for recommendations.

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